Her Way Home

I will never agree to my daughter marrying you. Our home is over a thousand kilometers away from yours. Even by plane, it takes five hours. Uncle and Aunt, I swear I’ll treat Xiaoxiao well. Mom and Dad, I’m going to marry him—I’m determined to marry him, whether you approve or not. Sigh… Since you’re so stubborn, remember thisthere’s no such thing as a doover in this world. Daughter, when are you two coming home for the New Year? Our grandson is already three years old, and he still hasn’t met his grandparents. Mom, This year, I’ll definitely come home for the New Year. Good girl—Mom will make your favorite braised pork. I’ve had a drink; I can’t drive. So I probably won’t be able to visit your place this year. He figured I wouldn’t be able to get a highspeed train ticket now, and since I can’t drive either, we’ll just have to settle for celebrating the New Year here. These days, with money, you can pretty much get anything done. I’m married far away—600 kilometers, and even flying takes two hours. Back then, my parents absolutely refused to approve this marriage. But I’ll treat Xiaoxiao well. It was only after Zhou Jingxuan knelt down before my parents, swore he’d take good care of me, and even signed a written agreement in front of them that they reluctantly gave their blessing. We’d originally planned to alternate hosting the New Year celebrations each year after we got married, but unfortunately, I became pregnant shortly after tying the knot. The first year, I stayed at my inlaws’ place while pregnant; the second year, our baby was too little, and neither the highspeed train nor the car was convenient, so I didn’t go back. By the third year, my motherinlaw had fallen and gotten hurt, so again, I couldn’t return to take care of her. It’s been four years since I last went home—this time, I’m determined to properly fulfill my filial duties. Don’t worry, honey—I promised you last year that no matter what happens, we’d make it back to your family this year. Tomorrow morning, as soon as we wake up, we’ll head straight out. Honey, hurry up! We’ve packed everything—let’s leave for your parents’ place. Honey, I’ve had a drink—I can’t drive. Well… looks like you’ll have to spend the New Year at home again this year. Zhou Jingxuan, what on earth are you trying to say? Didn’t we agree we’d celebrate the New Year at my place this year? It’s already been three years since I last visited home. Of course, I’ve thought about going back before—except that there’s no one to look after the baby, and taking the kid along would be such a hassle. Don’t you understand? You used to always say you’d bring me back when you had time, but you were never free. And whenever I finally managed to get some vacation time, you’d either claim highspeed tickets were hard to book or complain about traffic jams on the highway. What a pain. If you really want to go back, then go ahead—I’m not stopping you.

I’ve wanted to just leave the kid behind and head home several times, but every time I look at him, my heart softens. Mom, I’m definitely coming home this year. Xiaoxiao, then Mom’ll start getting things ready right now. Mom, please make sure to prepare my favorite Chinese sausage. This Lunar New Year’s Eve, I’m definitely going home for the reunion dinner. Going home this time has been something I’ve been looking forward to for ages—yet right before we leave, Zhou Jingxuan actually starts drinking. Alright, honey, stop being mad. Tomorrow’s New Year’s Eve—if we leave, how lonely would Mom and Dad feel? Other families are all gathered together, while my parents will be all alone. Zhou Jingxuan, we agreedduring the New Year, we take turns visiting each other’s families. The past three years were all spent at your place—what’s wrong with going to mine this year? You say my parents feel lonely during the New Year—but have you ever thought about how, in previous years, it was only my parents left at home? Didn’t they feel lonely then? Can that really be compared? You’re a daughter; once you’re married, you’re like water that’s been poured out. Your parents only had one daughter back then—surely they should’ve expected this day would come. Besides, they’ve already gone through this for three years—they’ve probably gotten used to it by now. But my parents are different. I’m their son, and we never get to celebrate the New Year by visiting my inlaws’ home.

I didn't expect him to think like this, believing that since he's the son, he should spend the New Year in his own family. Who said that we have to spend the New Year in the wife's family? Are you sure you won't go back with me? I want to, but I've had some alcohol and can't drive. You were the one who didn't want to learn how to drive back then, so now you can't blame me for not being able to drive. It's not that I don't want to learn how to drive, it's just that I can't. I always instinctively cover my face and scream when something happens. To keep myself and others safe, I've decided not to get a driver's license. I think it's responsible for both myself and others, but I never expected it would become a way for Zhou Jingxiao to control me. Otherwise, look at the highspeed train tickets and plane tickets, maybe there are some deals left. He knows very well that it's impossible to buy a ticket on the same day at this time. If he gets a ticket for the third or fourth day of the Lunar New Year, it's natural that we'll have to spend the holiday in his family. Xiaoxiao, have you guys left already? Is it Xiaoxuan driving back? Be careful on the way! I've prepared 20 catties of sausage for you. If you can't eat it all, take it back with you. Your dad also prepared a small gift for Kai Kai. He's sure to like it. Mom, today you were going to your grandmother's house, right? Why didn't you call me? We're not going to your grandmother's this year. How about staying at Grandma's house for the New Year instead?